Train Accident CalculatorAdvanced
FELA Claims
FELA Railroad Worker Claims
Understanding the Federal Employers' Liability Act.
What is FELA?
The Federal Employers' Liability Act (FELA) is a federal law enacted in 1908 that allows railroad workers to sue their employers for on-the-job injuries. Unlike state workers' compensation, FELA requires proving employer negligence but allows recovery of full damages.
FELA vs. Workers' Compensation
| Feature | FELA | Workers' Comp |
|---|---|---|
| Negligence Required? | Yes (must prove) | No (no-fault) |
| Pain & Suffering | Full recovery allowed | Not allowed |
| Lost Wages | 100% recovery | 66% typically |
| Jury Trial | Available | Not available |
Who is Covered?
Locomotive engineers
Conductors
Brakemen
Track workers
Yard workers
Signal maintainers
Carmen (car repairers)
Dispatchers
Average FELA Settlements
Cumulative Trauma (back/joints)$400,000 - $800,000
Traumatic Injury$500,000 - $1,500,000
Amputation$800,000 - $2,000,000
Wrongful Death$1,000,000 - $3,000,000+